Ludwick, Ankiel go deep in Cards win

Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel launched homers off of Tampa Bay Rays starter Scott Kazmir as the Cardinals won Thursday afternoon 9-7. Joel Pineiro lowered his ERA to 1.29 after pitching four innings.

Ludwick has struggled at the plate hitting .150 this spring, but connected for his first homer in the first off Kazmir, a three run shot. Ankiel followed with a solo homer in the second, his second of the spring as the Cardinals jumped out to a 4-0 lead.

Pineiro went four innings giving up two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two. Ryan Franklin gave up three runs in his inning of work and Jason Motte is now 3 for 3 in save opportunities as he went an inning and a third. Motte is closing in on the closer’s job for Tony LaRussa